5 Lessons I’ve Learned From Having Younger Brothers

I have two big little brothers. To put that in more comprehensible terms, I have two younger brothers that are huge, tall, rugby-build type of lads. I have gone from being the taller, older sibling (which didn’t last too long) to being the smaller, older sibling. They’ve both shot up and turned into two handsome, caring, and hilarious men; two men that I am immensely proud to call my little brothers.

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We went out last night to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and there was a moment when  was feeling really anxious about something (you’ll read all about it later on in the post) and having the two of them by my side last night inspired this post. I think I had an aha-moment last night when this happened; we’re stuck together, and not just because we have to be… so here are my five lessons I’ve learned from having younger brothers:

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#1 Family are some of the best friends you’ll ever ask for
When I was younger, I was forced to play with my brothers. I had to join in with the Lego, let them win at board games, and watch their choice of movie in case of a tantrum. I felt like the odd one out at times because they were both boys and bonded over things that I just didn’t understand. They taught me that it is ok to not have everything in common with your friends, how to negotiate and compromise, and that it can be healthy to disagree over things. They’ve taught me how to repair a relationship post-argument, and what unconditional love is. They’ve taught me that no matter what happens in life, that your family will always be there for you. 

#2 I will always have people to take care of me
Last night, we were out and something happened.  I saw an ex of mine, someone who absolutely messed with my head, was very controlling, and as a result reduced me to a shell of the person I was. I caught his eye and my stomach dropped. I turned and walked towards the door, I needed to get out of there straight away. My brother’s friend followed me and brought me to the bar where we had a drink and I explained the situation. He convinced me to stay and, within minutes, both of my brothers came over to me to reassure me that they were there for me and that if anything happened they’d be right by my side. Even though I was terrified, I was able to stand back and take in the absolutely fantastic fact that I have two younger brothers who will always have my back. It made me feel so grateful to have two built-in-bodyguards in my life. I knew there and then that I will never have to face anything in life alone, and that, despite how we might all wreck each other’s heads occasionally, we will always be there for one another no matter what. 

#3 Not to take life too seriously
The other day I came home from a tough day at work. Needless to say, after the stress of the day I wasn’t in the best mood. My younger brother came home and was in the happiest mood ever. I felt so jealous. I looked at him and asked him why was he always so happy, his reply: “We’re gna die some day so why waste time being unhappy?” and I just felt so struck by his answer. He went on to explain that he wasn’t expecting to be treated to a luxurious toffee yoghurt (I couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or whether he was justifying taking one of the new yoghurts I had bought) and that it’s the little things like that that we need to be focusing on. He literally has a grasp on the mindset that I’m working so incredibly hard to have. 

Whenever we have family get-togethers, and whenever I’m out with my brothers, people always comment on how funny they both are. I used to take this as a little insult; my inner critic jumping at the opportunity to find the negative in the situation – you’re not as funny as them, you’ll never be as liked as they are in a social setting… but now, I’m able to look at it for what it is; we are simply wired differently and have different energies. They are two of the quick-witted, funniest,people I know and they can make you laugh until the tears stream down your face. They’ve made me laugh during days when I felt completely down and lost. They’ve helped me to see that we need to embrace the fun and the joy that comes our way.

#4 No matter how big or small we are, we all slip back into the roles of big sister, younger brother.
Despite the fact that they are towering over me, I’m still their big sister. And despite the fact that the youngest of us is the tallest, he can still be an annoying little pain in the ass. They still come to me for advice, and they still mock me and hit me needlessly – for the craic I assume – and I’m always there to help them clean up their messes when they need me to. There’s something amazing about being a big sister. Words don’t really manage to capture the whole situation to be honest… 

#5 They will always be there to give 100% honesty
There’s honesty between friends, and then there’s honesty between family. They’re guaranteed to tell you when your clothes are a bit dodgy, or when you went a bit heavy handed with my foundation. They’ll tell me when they think I need to get my act together, and when I need to get out of something that’s not good for me. They tell me when I’m falling into the role of being “the serious one” and when I need to lighten up. Regardless of the situation, I’m guaranteed to get their feedback on it, despite whether I want to hear it or not! But there’s a certain beauty that comes with that type of honesty – we don’t wrap each other in bubble wrap, it’s pure unadulterated honesty when you need it the most, and something that I really value, even when I’m not liking what I’m hearing. 

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With love,